Page 62 - South Georgia

Postal History of South Georgia, 1937 ~ 46

Chapter four features Postal History of King George VI earlier period, to the end of 1946 as the first all new
‘Maps’ Dependency definitive issue started to become available. The status of South Georgia changed to a
Dependency of the Falkland Islands, no longer a part of the Colony of the Falkland Islands from April 1944.
South Georgia’s economy contracted during World War II, only the Argentine whaling station remained active
throughout hostilities. After the 1940 ~ 41 season, all the other stations suspended whaling, the population of the
islands did not exceed 400 men until war ended. Small teams remained on station preserving plant and equipment
in readiness for post war resumption. War over, whaling re-established itself but did not achieve pre war
production levels. Decline began mid fifties owing to smaller catches, terminating in the sixties.
Censorship of all communications was introduced from 25 August 1939 by Proclamation No 3, 1939; and
abolished for mail by Proclamation No 3, 1945 signed by the Governor on 31 July 1945. Postal services to

Norway and other continental European countries were suspended during German occupation

CONSIGNEE’S MAIL
Consignee’s mail was that sent by, or to, owners, charterers, or consignees of a vessel, inbound or outbound, to

owners, shippers or consignees of any cargo carried by that vessel
Local mail rates applied, irrespective of the country of origination

E
c.1941 Consignee’s Cover at the concessionary 1d rate
Christian Salvesen’s whaling station was located at Leith Harbour, South Georgia. The envelope flap bears an
oval impression of “Falkland Islands Company Limited, Stanley”, owner-operators of SS Fitzroy, the inter-island
steamer, cargo and passenger transporter, inter alia from Stanley to South Georgia

This is the only handstamped “Consignees Letter” cover known from the Falkland King George VI period

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